Campus Communications

Campus Policy Updates, Effective April 30, 2021

 

Dear Marist Students,

Thanks to the cooperation of our students, we are happy to announce the continued reopening of our campus, effective today, Friday, April 30. This is possible because of the increased vaccination rate within our campus community, compliance with the requirement to inform the College of your vaccination status, and continued low COVID-19 case counts. We hope to be able to continue to provide a more typical conclusion to the Spring 2021 semester and thank you for your vigilance and commitment to finishing the term in person.

Since the COVID-19 vaccine was made available to all individuals aged 16 and older, nearly 50% of our student population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and uploaded proof to Medicat. We applaud your efforts - they are working! If you have already begun the vaccination process but have not yet uploaded proof, please do so as soon as possible by clicking here: marist.medicatconnect.com. If you were vaccinated at 51 Fulton Street on April 13, April 15, or April 20, AND voluntarily swiped your Marist ID, no additional action is needed.

Updated Policies for Fully Vaccinated Individuals:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an individual is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after completion of the vaccine dose (second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or first dose of Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]). Several factors were considered when making the decision to further lift restrictions, including the current vaccination rate among students, the unique potential for the spread of COVID-19 within residence halls, and the current low rate of COVID-19 infection on campus. The College reserves the right to re-institute restrictions should the number or rate of increase in new cases cause concern or a new vaccine-resistant variant emerge. 

Fully Vaccinated Individuals Are Exempt From:

  • Routine surveillance testing. Updated surveillance testing requirements for unvaccinated individuals will be announced soon.
  • The requirement to wear a mask while outside except when attending large events, such as commencement exercises, or participating in high-risk activities such as sports and wind/vocal performances and practices. Participants in sports and performance arts should continue to follow the specific guidelines outlined for each of those activities.

These relaxed restrictions DO NOT apply to unvaccinated individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 90 days, as they are eligible to get vaccinated. This relaxation in policy relies on an ‘honor system,’ meaning individuals will not be required to provide proof of vaccination to be outdoors without a mask on; though unvaccinated individuals who are outside without masks on will be in violation of the student conduct code. Vaccinated individuals who wish to be exempt from surveillance testing must provide proof of your fully vaccinated status to the College.

Approved On-campus Activities for Friday, April 30:

  • Students residing in campus housing are permitted to visit with one another, including students from different residence facilities, provided that gathering size limits are followed and masks are worn. Off-campus guests, including commuter students, are still not permitted within any campus residence facility. Click here to view all of the visitation policies in the COVID-19 Code of Student Conduct Addendum. Students may continue to gather with students from other residence halls outdoors or in the dining hall.
  • Recreational outdoor basketball to be permitted with masks required on the court.
  • Increased capacity for fitness centers, but not to exceed New York State’s 33 percent limit.
    • McCann and McCormick Hall Fitness Centers are now open at 25 percent capacity. Sign up for a workout time at IMLeagues.com.
  • In-person Dining:
    • Increased outdoor seating and the addition of indoor seating in North End Dining.
    • Removal of the sides of the Dining Tent behind the Student Center to enjoy outdoor dining overlooking the Hudson River.
    • Expanding the food truck program to feature additional days and new locations on campus. Stay tuned to @maristeats on Instagram and MaristDining.com.
  • Launch of additional in-person fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba, and other inherently socially distant fitness and recreational activities.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:
Vaccination prevents serious illness and death and protects those in vulnerable populations. It is also our best chance to eliminate the virus from our community by achieving herd immunity.

There are many websites you can use to register for vaccine appointments. These links can help:

What You Can Continue to Do to Help:

  • If you have any symptoms, no matter how slight, please self-quarantine and get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible. Contact Health Services for an assessment and help with arranging a test if you are symptomatic. DO NOT go to surveillance testing if you have symptoms.
  • Continue to practice social distancing, good personal hygiene, and wear masks at all times.
  • Double mask, as this is known to offer increased protection for the mask wearers and others. To double mask, wear a multilayered cloth mask over a surgical mask.
  • Protect your roommates, teammates, and loved ones by minimizing contact with others outside of your living situation. If you may have been exposed or have taken personal risks, protect your roommates by self-quarantining when at home.
  • Comply with surveillance testing requirements and contact tracing. We urge students to remain vigilant as we continue to phase in additional activities.

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our community safe.

Sincerely,
Geoff Brackett, Executive Vice President
Thom Wermuth, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Deb DiCaprio, Vice President for Student Affairs

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